Neurodiversity Ireland

Let Me Be Me

Social Good

Social Good

We were honoured to create a mini documentary amplifying the voices of neurodivergent people in Ireland to communicate how we can be truly inclusive, while raising much needs funds for a Sensory Centre in Dublin.

Every parent just wants the best for their child. Every parent hopes their child will be treated with kindness by others, given opportunities in life, be listened to and heard. Unfortunately, often that’s not the case for Neurodivergent people due to lack of services and support and societal behaviour towards them.

Let me be me peeled back the curtain on what it’s like for Neurodivergent people in Ireland, giving Neurotypical people pause for thought. This story was intended to prompt viewers to think, were there times I could have been kinder? Are there ways I can be more inclusive or make simple accommodations for others?

task

Neurodiversity Ireland tasked Pluto with creating a video as part of a fundraising project to raise money for a first of its kind, sensory therapy centre in Dublin. The objectives of this brief were: Encourage monetary donations to fund sensory space Communicate the need for a sensory centre in Dublin Audience to understand the problems faced by neurodivergent children Audience to understand the grave lack of support currently Audience to understand the infinite potential of neurodivergent children.

execution

Let me be me was an emotion video content piece which amplified the voices of neurodivergent young people in Ireland, telling the story of neurodiversity and how thinking differently makes our society beautiful.

It’s often the case that neurodivergent people are spoken for, instead of given the platform to speak. The people featured in this piece, leaned into their vulnerability and were generous with their willingness and openness to share an important message and educate the viewers on the lived experiences of the neurodivergent people.

Without their participation, this education piece would not have been created, and the €170,000 of vital funds would not have been raised.

The piece featured:

James, age 17, Neurodivergent

Mia, age 17, Neurodivergent

Tom, age 25, Neurodivergent

Dairine, Neurodivergent and mother to Iya who is also Neurodivergent

Nessa, Neurotypical and mother to Lana who is Neurodivergent

Iya’s Dad Leo who is Neurotypical

Dr. Katie

Mrs. School Principal Shauna, Neurotypical and mother of 4

Finn, age 17, Neurotypical

Each person told their own story, giving a different insight into their lives as a Neurodivergent person or the parent of a Neurodivergent child. Shauna and Finn represented the contrast and similarities between Neurodivergent and Neurotypical people.

results

The video was initial briefed ahead of a fundraising ball to be played directly before the charity auction section to encourage donations. €170,000 was raised at the Auction to go towards the creation of a Sensory Centre in Dublin.

The video is now being repurposed for social due to its positive impact. The sentiment from Neurotypical viewers reflected how much of an impact the content and narrative had on them. Example: “I was moved by the eloquence and honesty of the people filmed here. I owe some people I came across in my life an apology for a lack of care and attention. I am very sorry for my misreading of the real fight some people faced in our ‘its my way or the highway’ world. I grew up in a world where not fitting in meant isolation and loneliness for way too many people. Thank you for highlighting the need for change now, so powerfully, in this beautiful and important video”.